VCK to Demonstrate Against Dalit Accusations by CID in TN
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Synopsis
The VCK and CPI-M parties in Tamil Nadu are organizing protests following the CB-CID report that implicated Dalits in a case of water tank contamination with human waste, demanding a CBI investigation.
Key Takeaways
- VCK and CPI-M are protesting against the CB-CID report.
- Dalits are accused of contaminating drinking water.
- The incident occurred in Vengaivayal village.
- Protests will demand a CBI investigation.
- The community feels distressed and marginalized.
Chennai, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Dalit political organization Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) along with the CPI-M, both supporters of the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, have declared protests against the report from the Tamil Nadu CB-CID which implicated Dalits in a case concerning the pollution of a water tank with human faeces.
This tank provided drinking water to Scheduled Caste families residing in Vengaivayal village.
The CB-CID report, issued on January 24, named Murali Raja (32), Sudarshan (20), and Muthukrishnan (22) as the alleged offenders.
The investigation revealed that the motive stemmed from animosity towards Muthaiya, a former president of the Muthukadu panchayat, and her partner Padma, the sitting president.
The troubling incident in Vengaivayal, which transpired on December 26, 2022, shocked the state of Tamil Nadu.
Human waste was discovered in a water tank that serves 20 Scheduled Caste families in Vengaivayal village located in Pudukottai district.
In response to public outcry, the Tamil Nadu government transferred the investigation to the CB-CID, the state’s top investigative body.
VCK leaders voiced their disbelief and outrage at the findings of the CB-CID, labeling them as “extremely unjust” and “disturbing.”
Manikantan, a local VCK leader, stated that the community has been in distress for the past two years, yearning for justice.
“It is cruel and unreasonable to accuse members of the Dalit community of poisoning their own drinking water. This report has devastated the villagers,” expressed Manikantan.
Members of the VCK plan to hold a protest in Pudukottai on Saturday, calling for a CBI investigation into the matter.
Sources from the party noted that as a Dalit political entity, it is their duty to seek the truth.
In a similar vein, the CPI-M has announced a march in Pudukottai, reiterating the demand for a CBI inquiry.
In a statement, the party’s state secretary, P. Shanmugam, condemned the CB-CID’s conclusions, asserting, “It is intolerable to suggest that the villagers themselves contaminated the tank due to a feud.”
The incident has left the community of Vengaivayal in despair. Initial allegations pointed towards members of upper-caste or intermediary castes as the culprits.
However, the CB-CID report has shifted the blame to the Dalit community members. Residents have accused the authorities of failing to uncover leads even after more than a year of investigation.
The CB-CID conducted DNA tests and voice analysis on suspects but claimed a lack of direct evidence.
V. Velu, a local resident, remarked, “Since the incident, our village feels like an open prison with constant police presence. This report has exacerbated our suffering. Strong protests will commence in the area starting today.”
The Vengaivayal incident continues to be a contentious issue regarding caste tensions in Tamil Nadu.
Both the VCK and CPI-M have vowed to persist in their quest for justice until the truth is revealed.
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